SIU Breaks Ground on New Baseball Stadium

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WSIL Sports

CARBONDALE -- Demolition started Monday on Abe Martin Field as crews began taking out the dugouts and bleachers. SIU officially broke ground on the stadium project Tuesday afternoon.

The four million dollar renovation is expected to be completed by March. Some 225 donors raised more than 1.8 million dollars, with the University matching those funds. More than half of the donors were former Saluki Baseball players.

The new stadium will be named for former player, head coach, and Saluki Hall of Famer Richard "Itchy" Jones. The field will remain named "Abe Martin Field" with the clubhouse to be renamed for the late Dan Callahan.

The new stadium will feature field turf and lights. The popular "Hill" will remain a fixture at the Salukis' new home.